By Shannan Hearne
A father and mother discuss how to teach their child about being wary of strangers. (This short sermon starter was written as the preamble to a message on 2nd chapter of Ephesians. The idea was to compare the world's fear of strangers with setting our mind on the love of God and the creation of that environment in the church.)
Dad
Mum
Dad: Why should I have to talk to him? I never talk to him. I don't even know him.
Mom: Hmmm. Maybe that's the problem…
Dad: Why can't you talk to him? Why can't the school talk to him? Why can't the church talk to him? Why is it my job?
Mom: Hmmm. Maybe they're the problem…
Dad: What am I supposed to tell him? Now, Son. It's a big bad ugly world out there and you must take precautions.
Mom: That would be a good start.
Dad: Perhaps you'd like me to tell him, Now, Son. You'll be faced with hard decisions. There will be times you won't want to go on. You will be scared and lonely and maybe hungry and tired. But you must go on.
Mom: Those things are all possible, dear.
Dad: For heaven sakes, Marge. Do you want me to scare him to death before he even sets foot out the door into the real world for the first time?
Mom: Well, we want him to be prepared. We've put all this time into getting him ready. Taking him to church. Washing his face. Sending him to school. The very best schools, I might add!
Dad: So you think we do all those things for all this time and now we just pat him on his head and send him on his way?
Mom: No, silly. You have to talk to him first.
Dad: Why me?
Mom: Why not?
Dad: Okay, Son. I want you to know that your mother and I love you very much and we want only the best for you and wish you the very best in your future endeavors. Your mother has packed up this wonderful lunch. I've written down all the words of wisdom I've acquired over the years. And as we send you out into the world, we want to prepare you.
Mom: Shouldn't you wait until he gets up from his nap, dear?
Dad: I'm practicing. I want to get this right.
Mom: (leaves the room)
Dad: Son, the world is a very scarey place. And when you leave the safety of our house, we want you to be extra extra careful. Don't let anyone push you around. Don't talk to strangers. Don't take candy from strangers. Don't look at strangers. Don't go anywhere near strangers!!!!! (refers to his list) Always wear your seatbelt. Eat a hot lunch at least twice a week. Call home often. Find a good wife. Tell your mother you love her. Tell her I love her too while you are at it. Son, be so careful. We'll miss you so much. We are so very proud of you and what you've grown up to be.
Mom: (reenters the room, unseen by Dad)
Dad: Son, take all these pearls of wisdom and go into the world and make greatness because you've come from greatness and you shall be greatness. But, son, remember about the strangers. They can be anywhere, hiding, planning, scheming to steal you away and hurt you. Stay away from the strangers, please! Trust no one. The enemy is out there, son, and you must beware.
Mom: Dear, how many strangers do you think he will meet at his first day of kindergarten?
Dad: I don't know. And that is what I'm worried about.
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© Copyright Shannon Hearne. All rights reserved.
This play may be performed free of royalty payment, provided no admission charge is made. In return, the author would appreciate being notified of any performance. She may be contacted at shannanh@bellsouth.net